copyright, beware of copying anothers work, in the digital age

I believe the internet has impacted on Copyright Laws like never before in history. So much material is available for all to view, and to copy. I wonder how many of you are aware of your rights. Did you know that if you copy another persons work, that you cannot claim copyright yourself. Unless of course you have been granted permission from the original owner of the copyright. .I note with interest, so many people admit they have copied a photo or a picture off the internet, then painted the picture, and assume quite wrongly, they own the copyright. PS I am against copying of photos etc, unless of course it is viewed as a learning exercise, and nothing more. The most basic aspect of art, is the ability to copy or draw an accurate impression of what one can see or view. Copying a picture or photograph simply confirms your ability to copy,an existing subject. It is no guarantee that you can then copy, or provide a true picture of a subject, or a view in reality, in real life situation..